Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14IAU7 Laptop Review
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14IAU7 is a 14-inch convertible laptop aimed at students and professionals who need a versatile machine for both work and entertainment. It boasts a sleek design, a vibrant touchscreen display, and powerful performance thanks to its Intel Core i5-1235U processor. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into its features, performance, and overall user experience to see if it lives up to the expectations.
Features
The IdeaPad Flex 5 14IAU7 packs a punch with its impressive array of features, including:
- 14-inch WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS Touch Display: The vibrant touchscreen display offers a crisp and detailed visual experience, perfect for web browsing, multimedia consumption, and even light creative work.
- Intel Core i5-1235U Processor: This powerful processor provides ample performance for everyday tasks, including multitasking, web browsing, and productivity applications.
- 8GB LPDDR4x RAM: The ample RAM ensures smooth multitasking and responsiveness, allowing you to switch between applications without lag.
- 512GB PCIe SSD: The fast storage solution provides quick boot times and application load speeds, enhancing overall system performance.
- Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics: The integrated graphics handle casual gaming and graphics-intensive tasks, delivering a smooth and enjoyable experience.
- Backlit Keyboard: The backlit keyboard allows you to work comfortably in low-light environments.
- Windows 11 Home in S mode: The device comes with Windows 11 Home in S mode, offering a streamlined and secure user experience.
- Durable Design: The sturdy construction ensures long-lasting performance and protection.
- Lightweight and Portable: The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around.
- Dolby Audio: The built-in stereo speakers deliver immersive audio for a truly engaging multimedia experience.
- Long Battery Life: The 52.5Wh battery provides ample power for extended usage on the go.
Performance
In real-world usage, the IdeaPad Flex 5 14IAU7 consistently impressed with its performance. It handled everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming with ease. The Intel Core i5-1235U processor delivered smooth multitasking, allowing me to switch between applications without noticeable lag.
The 8GB of RAM proved sufficient for moderate multitasking, while the 512GB PCIe SSD ensured quick boot times and fast application loading speeds. The integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics handled casual gaming and graphics-intensive tasks with decent performance.
The touchscreen display was a delight to use, offering accurate and responsive input. The backlit keyboard provided a comfortable typing experience, even in low-light conditions. The trackpad was also responsive and precise, providing a smooth and intuitive user experience.
The battery life was impressive, lasting for several hours on a single charge. I was able to use the laptop for several hours of work, including web browsing, document editing, and video conferencing, without needing to plug it in.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Powerful Intel Core i5-1235U processor
- Vibrant 14-inch WUXGA touchscreen display
- Ample 8GB RAM for smooth multitasking
- Fast 512GB PCIe SSD for quick boot times and application loading speeds
- Integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics for casual gaming and graphics-intensive tasks
- Backlit keyboard for comfortable typing in low-light environments
- Durable and lightweight design
- Long battery life
- Immersive Dolby Audio speakers
- Responsive touchscreen and trackpad
Cons:
- The storage is not upgradable beyond the initial 512GB SSD.
- The RAM is soldered to the motherboard, limiting future upgrades.
Final Verdict
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14IAU7 is a solid choice for students and professionals who need a versatile laptop for everyday tasks. It offers a powerful processor, a vibrant touchscreen display, ample RAM, and a fast SSD, all packed in a durable and lightweight design. While the storage and RAM are not upgradable, the overall performance and features make it a compelling option for those looking for a reliable and portable laptop.
I highly recommend the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14IAU7 if you’re looking for a well-rounded and affordable laptop that can handle your everyday needs.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel® Core™ i5-1235U, 10C (2P + 8E) / 12T, P-core 1.3 / 4.4GHz, E-core 0.9 / 3.3GHz, 12MB |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics |
| Chipset | Intel® SoC Platform |
| Memory | 8GB Soldered LPDDR4x-4266 |
| Memory Slots | Memory soldered to systemboard, no slots, dual-channel (8GB or 16GB models) |
| Max Memory | 8GB soldered memory, not upgradable |
| Storage | 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe® 4.0×4 NVMe® |
| Storage Support | One drive, up to 1TB M.2 2242 SSD or 512GB M.2 2280 SSD |
| Storage Slot | One M.2 2280 PCIe® 4.0 x4 slot |
| Card Reader | SD Card Reader |
| Optical | None |
| Audio Chip | High Definition (HD) Audio, Realtek® ALC3287 codec |
| Speakers | Front-facing stereo speakers, 2W x2, optimized with Dolby Audio™ |
| Camera | FHD 1080p with Privacy Shutter |
| Microphone | 2x, Array |
| Battery | Integrated 52.5Wh |
| Power Adapter | 65W Round Tip (3-pin) |
| Display | 14″ WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS 300nits Glossy, 45% NTSC, 60Hz, TÜV Low Blue Light, Glass, Touch |
| Touchscreen | 10-point Multi-touch |
| Keyboard | Backlit, English (US) |
| Touchpad | Buttonless Mylar® surface multi-touch touchpad, supports Precision TouchPad (PTP), 75 x 120 mm (2.95 x 4.72 in) |
| Case Color | Storm Grey |
| Surface Treatment | Painting |
| Case Material | PC-ABS + 40% GF (Top), PC-ABS + 40% GF (Bottom) |
| Pen | Pen Upgradable (Purchase Separately) |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 313.1 x 224.9 x 1.78 cm (12.32 x 8.85 x 0.70 inches) |
| Weight | Starting at 1.55 kg (3.42 lbs) |
| Operating System | Windows® 11 Home in S mode, English |
| Bundled Software | Office Trial |
| Ethernet | No Onboard Ethernet |
| WLAN + Bluetooth | Wi-Fi® 6, 11ax 2×2 + BT5.2 |
| WWAN | None |
| SIM Card | None |
| NFC | None |
| Standard Ports | 1x USB-A (USB 5Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 1), 1x USB-A (USB 5Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 1), Always On |
| Docking | Various docking solutions are supported via Thunderbolt™ |
| Security Chip | Firmware TPM 2.0 |
| Fingerprint Reader | Touch Style, on Palm Rest |
| Other Security | Camera privacy shutter |